US Bridges

State Route 33 over Helm Canal

Poor

Fresno County, California · 06-FRE-033-72.81 · Structure no. 42 0033

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
66 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,500
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 33 over Helm Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 33 over Helm Canal in Fresno County, California. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 78 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,136 by 2043. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 33
CrossesHelm Canal
Location06-FRE-033-72.81
RouteState Highway 33
CountyFresno County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.88273, -120.49095
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2009)
Projected traffic7,136 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$431,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 33 over Helm Canal built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is State Route 33 over Helm Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does State Route 33 over Helm Canal carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 33 over Helm Canal?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 33 over Helm Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.